Air Filtration Systems and Methods of Forming an Air Filtration System

ABSTRACT

Embodiments relate to systems and methods for forming an air filtration system. The system includes an air filter. The air filter includes a plurality of filtration surfaces, including a first outer filtration surface, a second outer filtration surface opposite to the first outer filtration surface, and one or more inner filtration surfaces provided between the first and second outer filtration surfaces. The plurality of filtration surfaces may be configured to trap one or more airborne particulates, including viruses and/or bacteria. The air filtration assembly further includes a disinfectant coating. The disinfectant coating is formed on at least a portion of the plurality of filtration surfaces. The disinfectant coating may be for use in disinfecting trapped airborne particulates. The disinfectant coating includes a performance layer. The performance layer includes metal ions. The disinfectant coating further includes an enhancement layer. The enhancement layer includes carbonates.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of and claims priority to PCTApplication No. PCT/CN2021/078131 filed Feb. 26, 2021, which claimspriority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202010568220.X filed Jun. 19,2020. The contents from all of the above are hereby incorporated intheir entirety by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for thefiltration of air and other gases, and more specifically, to airfiltration systems and methods of forming an air filtration system.

BACKGROUND

Air filters are an essential part of an air filtration device. Airfilters are typically designed to filter out small particulates from theair, thereby purifying the air. Air filters are used in a variety ofapplications, including air conditioning systems (e.g., central airconditioning systems, individual residential air conditioning units,vehicle air conditioning systems), air filtration systems, etc.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Microbiological airborne particulates, such as bacteria, fungi andviruses (e.g., the COVID-19 virus), have become increasingly widespreadand dangerous over the years. While conventional air filters can removesmall airborne particulates from the air, certain airborne bacteria andviruses can remain harmful (e.g., remain infectious) for extendedperiods of time. In this regard, harmful airborne bacteria and virusesthat are trapped, captured, and/or attached to air filters may, for avariety of reasons, become untrapped, uncaptured, and/or detached fromthe air filters and re-enter the air.

The present disclosure relates generally to systems, subsystems,methods, and processes for addressing conventional problems, includingthose described above and in the present disclosure, and morespecifically, example embodiments relate to systems, subsystems,methods, and processes for the treatment, disinfection, purification,sanitization, or the like of air, other gases, vapors, condensates,precipitates, and/or other mediums, including the destruction,denaturation, decomposing, and/or rendering harmless of airborneparticulates, impurities, or the like (including harmful viruses and/orbacteria).

In an exemplary embodiment, an air filtration assembly is described. Theair filtration assembly includes an air filter. The air filter includesa plurality of filtration surfaces, including a first outer filtrationsurface, a second outer filtration surface opposite to the first outerfiltration surface, and one or more inner filtration surfaces providedbetween the first and second outer filtration surfaces. The plurality offiltration surfaces may be configured to trap one or more airborneparticulates, including viruses and/or bacteria. The air filtrationassembly further includes a disinfectant coating. The disinfectantcoating is formed on at least a portion of one or more of the pluralityof filtration surfaces. The disinfectant coating may be for use indisinfecting trapped microbiological airborne particulates. Thedisinfectant coating includes a performance layer. The performance layerincludes metal ions. The disinfectant coating further includes anenhancement layer. The enhancement layer includes carbonates.

In another exemplary embodiment, an air filtration assembly isdescribed. The air filtration assembly includes an air filter. The airfilter includes a plurality of filtration surfaces, including a firstouter filtration surface, a second outer filtration surface opposite tothe first outer filtration surface, and one or more inner filtrationsurfaces provided between the first and second outer filtrationsurfaces. The plurality of filtration surfaces may be configured to trapone or more airborne particulates, including viruses and/or bacteria.The air filtration assembly further includes a disinfectant coating. Thedisinfectant coating is formed on the air filter. The disinfectantcoating includes metal ions and carbonates. The disinfectant coatingincludes between about 0.00001 to 0.5 g/m² of metal ions, or the like.The disinfectant coating includes between about 0.0001 to 50 g/m² ofcarbonates (and/or other enhancers, as further described in the presentdisclosure), or the like.

In another exemplary embodiment, a method of forming an air filtrationassembly is described. The method includes providing an air filter. Theair filter includes a plurality of filtration surfaces, including afirst outer filtration surface, a second outer filtration surfaceopposite to the first outer filtration surface, and one or more innerfiltration surfaces provided between the first and second outerfiltration surfaces. The plurality of filtration surfaces are configuredto trap one or more airborne particulates, including viruses and/orbacteria. The method further includes preparing a performance solution.The performance solution includes one or more metal ions. The methodfurther includes preparing an enhancement solution. The enhancementsolution includes one or more carbonates. The method further includesforming a disinfectant coating on the plurality of filtration surfaces.The disinfectant coating is for use in disinfecting trapped airborneparticulates. The disinfectant coating is formed in such a way as toinclude a performance layer and an enhancement layer. The performancelayer includes one or more metal ions, or the like. The enhancementincludes one or more carbonates, or the like.

In another exemplary embodiment, a method of forming an air filtrationassembly is described. The method includes providing an air filter. Theair filter includes a plurality of filtration surfaces, including afirst outer filtration surface, a second outer filtration surfaceopposite to the first outer filtration surface, and one or more innerfiltration surfaces provided between the first and second outerfiltration surfaces. The plurality of filtration surfaces is configuredto trap one or more airborne particulates, including viruses and/orbacteria. The method further includes preparing a performance solution.The performance solution includes one or more metal ions, or the like.The method further includes preparing an enhancement solution. Theenhancement solution includes one or more carbonates, or the like. Themethod further includes forming a disinfectant coating on the pluralityof filtration surfaces. The disinfectant coating is for use indisinfecting trapped airborne particulates. The disinfectant coating isformed by precipitating the performance solution on the plurality offiltration surfaces to form a performance layer on the plurality offiltration surfaces; and precipitating the enhancement solution on theplurality of filtration surfaces to form an enhancement layer on theperformance layer.

In another exemplary embodiment, a method of forming an air filtrationassembly is described. The method includes providing an air filter. Theair filter includes a plurality of filtration surfaces, including afirst outer filtration surface, a second outer filtration surfaceopposite to the first outer filtration surface, and one or more innerfiltration surfaces provided between the first and second outerfiltration surfaces. The plurality of filtration surfaces is configuredto trap one or more airborne particulates, including viruses and/orbacteria. The method further includes preparing a performance solution.The performance solution includes one or more metal ions, or the like.The method further includes preparing an enhancement solution. Theenhancement solution includes one or more carbonates, or the like. Themethod further includes forming a disinfectant coating on the pluralityof filtration surfaces. The disinfectant coating is for use indisinfecting trapped airborne particulates. The disinfectant coating isformed by precipitating the enhancement solution on the plurality offiltration surfaces to form an enhancement layer on the plurality offiltration surfaces; and precipitating the performance solution on theplurality of filtration surfaces to form a performance layer on theenhancement layer.

In another exemplary embodiment, a method of forming an air filtrationassembly is described. The method includes providing an air filter. Theair filter includes a plurality of filtration surfaces, including afirst outer filtration surface, a second outer filtration surfaceopposite to the first outer filtration surface, and one or more innerfiltration surfaces provided between the first and second outerfiltration surfaces. The plurality of filtration surfaces is configuredto trap one or more airborne particulates, including viruses and/orbacteria. The method further includes preparing a performance solution.The performance solution includes one or more metal ions, or the like.The method further includes preparing an enhancement solution. Theenhancement solution includes one or more carbonates, or the like. Themethod further includes forming a disinfectant coating on the pluralityof filtration surfaces. The disinfectant coating is for use indisinfecting trapped airborne particulates. The disinfectant coating isformed by simultaneously precipitating the enhancement solution and theperformance solution on the plurality of filtration surfaces. Theenhancement solution and the performance solution are simultaneouslyprecipitated on the plurality of filtration surfaces by separatelyapplying (e.g., spraying) the enhancement solution and the performancesolution onto the plurality of filtration surfaces.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure, exampleembodiments, and their advantages, reference is now made to thefollowing description taken in conjunction with the accompanyingfigures, in which like reference numbers indicate like features, and:

FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example embodiment of anair filtration system;

FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of an example embodiment of anair filter for the air filtration system;

FIG. 2B illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example embodiment anair filter for the air filtration system;

FIG. 2C illustrates a cross-sectional view of another example embodimentof an air filter for the air filtration system;

FIG. 2D illustrates a cross-sectional view of another example embodimentof an air filter for the air filtration system;

FIG. 2E illustrates a zoomed in cross-sectional view of another exampleembodiment of an air filter for the air filtration system;

FIG. 3A illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example embodiment ofan air filtration system having a performance layer formed on a surfaceof an air filter and an enhancement layer formed on the performancelayer;

FIG. 3B illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example embodiment ofan air filtration system having an enhancement layer formed on a surfaceof an air filter and a performance layer formed on the enhancementlayer;

FIG. 3C illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example embodiment ofan air filtration system having a mixed layer of metal ions andenhancers;

FIG. 3D illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example embodiment ofan air filtration system having enhancement layers and performancelayers formed on a surface of an air filter;

FIG. 3E illustrates a cross-sectional view of another example embodimentof an air filtration system having enhancement layers and performancelayers formed on a surface of an air filter;

FIG. 3F illustrates a cross-sectional view of another example embodimentof an air filtration system having enhancement layers and performancelayers formed on a plurality of surfaces of an air filter;

FIG. 3G illustrates a cross-sectional view of another example embodimentof an air filtration system having enhancement layers and performancelayers formed on a surface of an air filter;

FIG. 3H illustrates a cross-sectional view of another example embodimentof an air filtration system having enhancement layers and performancelayers formed on a plurality of surfaces of an air filter;

FIG. 3I illustrates a cross-sectional view of another example embodimentof an air filtration system having enhancement layers and performancelayers formed on a plurality of surfaces of an air filter;

FIG. 3J illustrates a zoomed in cross-sectional view of an exampleembodiment of an air filtration system having enhancement andperformance layers formed on the fibers of the air filters;

FIG. 3K illustrates a zoomed in cross-sectional view of another exampleembodiment of an air filtration system having enhancement andperformance layers formed on the fibers of the air filters;

FIG. 3L illustrates a zoomed in cross-sectional view of an exampleembodiment of an air filtration system having a mixed layer of metalions and enhancers formed on the fibers of the air filters;

FIG. 4 illustrates an example embodiment of a method of forming an airfiltration system;

FIG. 5A illustrates an example embodiment of a method of forming adisinfectant coating on at least a portion of the air filter;

FIG. 5B illustrates another example embodiment of a method of forming adisinfectant coating on at least a portion of the air filter; and

FIG. 5C illustrates another example embodiment of a method of forming adisinfectant coating on at least a portion of the air filter.

Although similar reference numbers may be used to refer to similarelements in the figures for convenience, it can be appreciated that eachof the various example embodiments may be considered to be distinctvariations.

Example embodiments will now be described with reference to theaccompanying figures, which form a part of the present disclosure andwhich illustrate example embodiments which may be practiced. As used inthe present disclosure and the appended claims, the terms “embodiment,”“example embodiment,” “exemplary embodiment,” “present embodiment,” and“preferred embodiment” do not necessarily refer to a single embodiment,although they may, and various example embodiments may be readilycombined and/or interchanged without departing from the scope or spiritof example embodiments. Furthermore, the terminology as used in thepresent disclosure and the appended claims is for the purpose ofdescribing example embodiments only and is not intended to belimitations. In this respect, as used in the present disclosure and theappended claims, the term “in” may include “in” and “on,” and the terms“a,” “an,” and “the” may include singular and plural references.Furthermore, as used in the present disclosure and the appended claims,the term “by” may also mean “from,” depending on the context.Furthermore, as used in the present disclosure and the appended claims,the term “if” may also mean “when” or “upon,” depending on the context.Furthermore, as used in the present disclosure and appended claims, thewords “and/or” may refer to and encompass any or all possiblecombinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Harmful airborne particulates, such as bacteria and viruses (e.g., theCOVID-19 virus), have become increasingly widespread and dangerous overthe years. Fortunately, conventional air filtration systems have beenrelatively useful in filtering out small airborne particulates bytrapping such particulates with air filters.

While conventional air filters are effective in removing small airborneparticulates from the air, it is recognized in the present disclosurethat certain airborne bacteria and viruses can remain harmful (e.g.,remain infectious) for extended periods of time. In this regard, suchharmful airborne bacteria and viruses that are trapped, captured, and/orattached to the air filters may, for a variety of reasons, becomeuntrapped, uncaptured, and/or detached from the air filters and re-enterthe air.

Present example embodiments relate generally to systems, subsystems,methods, and processes for addressing conventional problems, includingthose described above and in the present disclosure, and morespecifically, example embodiments relate to systems, subsystems,methods, and processes for the treatment, disinfection, purification,sanitization, or the like (referred to herein as “treating”,“treatment”, or the like) of air, other gases, vapors, condensates,precipitates, or the like (also referred to herein as a “medium” or“air”, or the like), including the destruction, denaturation,decomposing, and/or rendering harmless of airborne particulates,impurities, or the like (including harmful viruses and/or bacteria).

It is to be understood that, while example embodiments are mostlydescribed in the present disclosure as pertaining to air filtrationsystems, air filters, and forming of disinfectant coatings/layers on airfilters, the principles described in the present disclosure may also beapplied beyond the context of air filtration systems, air filters, andforming of disinfectant coatings/layers on air filters and/or airfiltration systems, such as use with, on, and/or associated with othermediums and objects (e.g., walls, windows, ceilings, fans, ventilationducts, etc.) and forming of disinfectant coatings/layers on such othermediums and objects (e.g., walls, windows, ceilings, fans, ventilationducts, etc.), without departing from the teachings of the presentdisclosure.

Example embodiments will now be described below with reference to theaccompanying figures, which form a part of the present disclosure.

Example Embodiments of an Air Filtration System (e.g., System 100).

As illustrated in FIG. 1, an example embodiment of an air filtrationsystem (e.g., system 100; also referred to herein as “air filtrationassembly”) for treating a medium (e.g., air or other gases), includingthose with particulates in the medium (e.g., viruses and/or bacteria),includes an air filter (e.g., air filter 200). The system 100 alsoincludes a disinfectant coating (e.g., disinfectant coating 500). Aswill be further described in the present disclosure, the disinfectantcoating 500 includes a performance layer (e.g., performance layer 300)and an enhancement layer (e.g., enhancement layer 400).

Example embodiments of the air filtration system 100 and elementsthereof will now be further described with reference to the accompanyingfigures, which form a part of the present disclosure.

Air Filter (e.g., Air Filter 200).

FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of an example embodiment of anair filter (e.g., air filter 200) for the air filtration system 100. Theair filter 200 may be any air filter, including those formed with and/orhaving porous materials suitable for filtration applications,configurable or configured to filter, trap, or the like, particulates,impurities, or the like, in a medium (e.g., air). For example, the airfilter 200 may be configurable or configured to filter, trap, or thelike, viruses, bacteria, or the like, in air and/or other mediums.

Example embodiments of the air filter 200 may be formed in one or moreof a plurality of shapes, sizes, forms, and configurations. For example,as illustrated in at least FIG. 2A and the cross-sectional view of FIG.2B, the air filter 200 may be formed as or in the form of a flat orplanar sheet, or the like. The air filter 200 may also be formed inother shapes, forms, and/or configurations, such as a tubular orcylindrical shape, hollow cubical shape, conical shape, etc. In exampleembodiments, the air filter may include pores, holes, openings, or thelike (not shown), formed through its surfaces (e.g., 210, 220, 230)and/or within interior portions between one or more of its surfaces(e.g., 210, 220, 230). As illustrated in at least FIGS. 2A and 2B, theair filter 200 may include one or more first outer filtration surfaces210. The air filter 200 may also include one or more second outerfiltration surfaces 220. Although example embodiments of the secondouter filtration surface 220 are illustrated to be opposite to the firstouter filtration surface 210, it is to be understood that the secondouter filtration surface 220 may not necessarily be opposite to thefirst outer filtration surface 210.

FIG. 2C illustrates a cross-sectional view of another example embodimentof the air filter 200. In this example embodiment, the air filter 200may be formed having folds (e.g., as shown in FIG. 2C), protrusions,indentations/holes, and/or the like, for increasing effective surfacearea for the filtration of incoming or passing medium (e.g., air). Inthis regard, the air filter 200 includes one or more first outerfiltration surfaces 210, one or more second outer filtration surfaces220, and one or more inner filtration surfaces 230. It is to beunderstood that one or more of the inner filtration surfaces 230 mayalso be considered as a first outer filtration surface 210 and/or secondouter filtration surface 220 without departing from the teachings of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 2D illustrates a cross-sectional view of another example embodimentof the air filter 200. In this example embodiment, the air filter 200may be formed having a plurality of layers, sections, or the like. Forexample, the air filter 200 illustrated in FIG. 2D may be formed havinga plurality of air filters 200 (e.g., the air filter illustrated in FIG.2B). In an example embodiment, the plurality of air filters 200 may beseparated by a gap (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 2D). Alternatively, theplurality of air filters 200 may be stacked together with little or nogap between layers (not shown). The air filter 200 includes one or morefirst outer filtration surfaces 210, one or more second outer filtrationsurfaces 220, and a plurality of inner filtration surfaces 230. It is tobe understood that the inner filtration surfaces 230 may also beconsidered as a first outer filtration surface 210 and/or second outerfiltration surface 220 without departing from the teachings of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 2E illustrates a cross-sectional view of another example embodimentof the air filter 200. In this example embodiment, the air filter 200may be formed having a plurality of fibers (cross-sections of the fibersillustrated as circular shapes in FIG. 2E), or the like. In an exampleembodiment, some or all of the parts of the plurality of fibers may beseparated by gaps. The air filter 200 includes one or more first outerfiltration surfaces 210 (which may be one or more parts of the fibersthat are provided at an outer surface of the air filter 200), one ormore second outer filtration surfaces 220 (which may be one or moreparts of the fibers that are provided at another outer surface of theair filter), and a plurality of inner filtration surfaces 230 (which maybe one or more parts of the fibers that are provided between the outersurfaces of the air filter 200).

Disinfectant Coating (e.g., Disinfectant Coating 500).

The system 100 for treating a medium (e.g., air or other gases) may alsoinclude a disinfectant coating (e.g., disinfectant coating 500). Thedisinfectant coating 500 may be formed by applying an example embodimentof a performance solution so as to form a performance layer (e.g.,performance layer 300). The disinfectant coating 500 may also be formedby applying an example embodiment of an enhancement solution so as toform an enhancement layer 400. In this regard, the disinfectant coating500 may include one or more performance layers 300 and one or moreenhancement layers 400.

Example embodiments of the performance layer 300 and the enhancementlayer 400 will now be further described with reference to theaccompanying figures, which form a part of the present disclosure.

Performance Layer (e.g., Performance Layer 300).

In an example embodiment, the disinfectant coating 500 may include oneor more performance layers (e.g., performance layer 300). Theperformance layer 300 may be formed on one or more portions of the airfilter 200 and/or the enhancement layer 400. As will be furtherdescribed in the present disclosure, the performance layer 300 includesmetal ions, or the like (referred to herein as “metal ions”). It isrecognized in the present disclosure that the performance layer 300 (andmetal ions therein) are effective in, among other things, contacting andreacting with bacteria cells, and in doing so cause the destruction ordysfunction of bacterial components. When metal ions of the performancelayer 300 reach the cell wall, the cell wall becomes negatively chargedand, relying on Coulomb attraction, the metal ions become firmlyadsorbed or attached to the cell wall. The metal ions of the performancelayer 300 are then operable to penetrate the cell wall and destroy cellsynthesis activity. Accordingly, cells lose their ability to divide andproliferate, and die. Furthermore, the metal ions in the performancelayer 300 are operable to damage the microbial electronic transmissionsystem, respiratory system and material transmission system. In terms ofviruses, the metal ions in the performance layer 300 are operable tomechanically adsorb and attach to the virus, react with the virussurface protein, inactivate the enzyme protein, and bind with the viralnucleic acid.

For example, as illustrated in at least FIG. 3A and FIG. 3J, an exampleembodiment of the performance layer 300 may be formed on one or moreportions of the first outer filtration surface 210 of the air filter200. The performance layer 300 formed on the first outer filtrationsurface 210 may be formed in such a way as to include between about0.00001 to 0.5 g/m² of metal ions. In preferred embodiments, theperformance layer 300 formed on the first outer filtration surface 210includes between about 0.001 to 0.01 g/m² of metal ions. Metal ionspresent in the performance layer 300 formed on the first outerfiltration surface 210 may include, but are not limited to, one or moreof the following: silver (Ag) ions, copper (Cu) ions, zinc (Zn) ions,cobalt (Co) ions, tin (Sn) ions, iodine (I) ions, chromium (Cr) ions,tellurium (Te) ions, germanium (Ge) ions, bismuth (Bi) ions, lead (Pb)ions, cadmium (Cd) ions, titanium (Ti) ions, and mercury (Hg) ions. Inexample embodiments, a wet weight of the performance layer 300 (e.g.,wet weight may be a weight or weight percentage of the liquid (or wet)performance solution applied (but not yet dried) to form the performancelayer 300) formed on the first outer filtration surface 210 is betweenabout 0.1 to 200% of a weight of the air filter 200. In preferredembodiments, a wet weight of the performance layer 300 formed on thefirst outer filtration surface 210 is between about 30 to 50% of aweight of the air filter 200.

Alternatively or in addition, the performance layer 300 may be formed onone or more portions of the second outer filtration surface 220 of theair filter 200, as illustrated in at least FIG. 3I. The performancelayer 300 formed on the second outer filtration surface 220 may beformed in such a way as to include between about 0.00001 to 0.5 g/m² ofmetal ions. In preferred embodiments, the performance layer 300 formedon the second outer filtration surface 220 includes between about 0.001to 0.01 g/m² of metal ions. Metal ions present in the performance layer300 formed on the second outer filtration surface 220 may include, butare not limited to, one or more of the following: silver (Ag) ions,copper (Cu) ions, zinc (Zn) ions, cobalt (Co) ions, tin (Sn) ions,iodine (I) ions, chromium (Cr) ions, tellurium (Te) ions, germanium (Ge)ions, bismuth (Bi) ions, lead (Pb) ions, cadmium (Cd) ions, titanium(Ti) ions, and mercury (Hg) ions. In example embodiments, a wet weightof the performance layer 300 (e.g., weight or weight percentage of theliquid (or wet) performance solution applied (but not yet dried) to formthe performance layer 300) formed on the second outer filtration surface220 is between about 0.1 to 200% of a weight of the air filter 200. Inpreferred embodiments, a wet weight of the performance layer 300 formedon the second outer filtration surface 220 is between about 30 to 50% ofa weight of the air filter 200. Alternatively, in example embodimentswhere the performance layer 300 is also formed on the first outerfiltration surface 210 and/or inner filtration surface 230, a collectivewet weight of the performance layer 300 (e.g., wet weight may be aweight or weight percentage of the liquid (or wet) performance solutionapplied (but not yet dried) to form the performance layer 300) may bebetween about 0.1 to 200% of a weight of the air filter 200. Inpreferred embodiments where the performance layer 300 is also formed onthe first outer filtration surface 210 and/or inner filtration surface230, a collective wet weight of the performance layer 300 may be betweenabout 30 to 50% of a weight of the air filter 200. It is to beunderstood that the metal ions present in the performance layer 300formed on the second outer filtration surface 220 may or may not be thesame as the metal ions present in the performance layer 300 formed onthe first outer filtration surface 210 and/or the inner filtrationsurface 230. It is also to be understood that the concentration (g/m²)of metal ions in the presentation layer 300 formed on the second outerfiltration surface 220 may or may not be the same as the concentration(g/m²) of metal ions in the presentation layer 300 formed on the firstouter filtration surface 210 and/or the inner filtration surface 230. Itis also to be understood that the weight percentage (as compared to theweight of the air filter 200) of metal ions in the presentation layer300 formed on the second outer filtration surface 220 may or may not bethe same as the weight percentage (as compared to the weight of the airfilter 200) of metal ions in the presentation layer 300 formed on thefirst outer filtration surface 210 and/or the inner filtration surface230.

As illustrated in at least FIG. 3F and FIG. 3H, an example embodiment ofthe performance layer 300 may be formed on one or more portions of theinner filtration surface 230. The performance layer 300 formed on theinner filtration surface 230 may be formed in such a way as to includebetween about 0.00001 to 0.5 g/m² of metal ions. In preferredembodiments, the performance layer 300 formed on the inner filtrationsurface 230 includes between about 0.001 to 0.01 g/m² of metal ions.Metal ions present in the performance layer 300 formed on the innerfiltration surface 230 may include, but are not limited to, one or moreof the following: silver (Ag) ions, copper (Cu) ions, zinc (Zn) ions,cobalt (Co) ions, tin (Sn) ions, iodine (I) ions, chromium (Cr) ions,tellurium (Te) ions, germanium (Ge) ions, bismuth (Bi) ions, lead (Pb)ions, cadmium (Cd) ions, titanium (Ti) ions, and mercury (Hg) ions. Inexample embodiments, a wet weight of the performance layer 300 (e.g.,weight or weight percentage of the liquid (or wet) performance solutionapplied (but not yet dried) to form the performance layer 300) formed onthe inner filtration surface 230 is between about 0.1 to 200% of aweight of the air filter 200. In preferred embodiments, a wet weight ofthe performance layer 300 formed on the inner filtration surface 230 isbetween about 30 to 50% of a weight of the air filter 200.Alternatively, in example embodiments where the performance layer 300 isalso formed on the first outer filtration surface 210 and/or secondouter filtration surface 220, a collective wet weight of the performancelayer 300 (e.g., weight or weight percentage of the liquid (or wet)performance solution applied (but not yet dried) to form the performancelayer 300) may be between about 0.1 to 200% of a weight of the airfilter 200. In preferred embodiments where the performance layer 300 isalso formed on the first outer filtration surface 210 and/or secondouter filtration surface 220, a collective wet weight of the performancelayer 300 may be between about 30 to 50% of a weight of the air filter200. It is to be understood that the metal ions present in theperformance layer 300 formed on the inner filtration surface 230 may ormay not be the same as the metal ions present in the performance layer300 formed on the first outer filtration surface 210 and/or the secondouter filtration surface 220. It is also to be understood that theconcentration (g/m²) of metal ions in the presentation layer 300 formedon the inner filtration surface 230 may or may not be the same as theconcentration (g/m²) of metal ions in the presentation layer 300 formedon the first outer filtration surface 210 and/or the second outerfiltration surface 220. It is also to be understood that the weightpercentage (as compared to the weight of the air filter 200) of metalions in the presentation layer 300 formed on the inner filtrationsurface 230 may or may not be the same as the weight percentage (ascompared to the weight of the air filter 200) of metal ions in thepresentation layer 300 formed on the first outer filtration surface 210and/or the second outer filtration surface 220.

In another example embodiment illustrated in at least FIG. 3B and FIG.3K, the performance layer 300 may be formed on at least a portion of theenhancement layer 400 (which may be formed on the first outer filtrationsurface 210 and/or the second outer filtration surface 220 and/or theinner filtration surface 230). The performance layer 300 formed on theenhancement layer 400 may be formed in such a way as to include betweenabout 0.00001 to 0.5 g/m² of metal ions. In preferred embodiments, theperformance layer 300 formed on the enhancement layer 400 includesbetween about 0.001 to 0.01 g/m² of metal ions. Metal ions present inthe performance layer 300 formed on the enhancement layer 400 mayinclude, but are not limited to, one or more of the following: silver(Ag) ions, copper (Cu) ions, zinc (Zn) ions, cobalt (Co) ions, tin (Sn)ions, iodine (I) ions, chromium (Cr) ions, tellurium (Te) ions,germanium (Ge) ions, bismuth (Bi) ions, lead (Pb) ions, cadmium (Cd)ions, titanium (Ti) ions, and mercury (Hg) ions. In example embodiments,a wet weight of the performance layer 300 (e.g., weight or weightpercentage of the liquid (or wet) performance solution applied (but notyet dried) to form the performance layer 300) formed on the enhancementlayer 400 is between about 0.1 to 200% of a weight of the air filter200. In preferred embodiments, a wet weight of the performance layer 300formed on the enhancement layer 400 is between about 30 to 50% of aweight of the air filter 200.

The performance layer 300 may be formed using a performance solution, orthe like. In an example embodiment, the performance solution may includea composition of 0.0001 to 5% of one or more of the following: AgNO₃,Ag₂O, Ag₂SO₄, Ag₂S, AgCl, Ag₂CO₃, CuO, CuCO₃, CuSO₄, Cu(NO₃)₂, CuCl₂,ZnO, ZnCl₂, ZnS, ZnSO₄, Zn(NO₃)₂, ZnCO₃, and/or other soluble componentsthat contain Co, Sn, I, Cr, Te, Ge, Bi, Sn, Pb, Cd, Ti, and/or Hg ions.In preferred embodiments, the performance solution may include acomposition of 0.005 to 0.1% of one or more of the following: AgNO₃,Ag₂O, Ag₂SO₄, Ag₂S, AgCl, Ag₂CO₃, CuO, CuCO₃, CuSO₄, Cu(NO₃)₂, CuCl₂,ZnO, ZnCl₂, ZnS, ZnSO₄, Zn(NO₃)₂, ZnCO₃, and/or other soluble componentsthat contain Co, Sn, I, Cr, Te, Ge, Bi, Sn, Pb, Cd, Ti, and/or Hg ions.The performance layer 300 may be formed in one or more ways including,but not limited to, spraying the performance solution onto one or moresurfaces of the air filter 200 and/or the enhancement layer 400; dippingthe air filter 200 into the performance solution; brushing theperformance solution onto the one or more surfaces of the air filter 200and/or the enhancement layer 400; dipping the air filter 200 into theperformance solution and spraying the performance solution; brushing theperformance solution onto the one or more surfaces of the air filter 200and/or the enhancement layer 400 and spraying the performance solution;and/or dipping the air filter 200 into the performance solution andbrushing the performance solution onto the one or more surfaces of theair filter 200 and/or the enhancement layer 400.

Enhancement Layer (e.g., Enhancement Layer 400).

In an example embodiment, the disinfectant coating 500 may include oneor more enhancement layers (e.g., enhancement layer 400). Theenhancement layer 400 may be formed on one or more portions of the airfilter 200 and/or the performance layer 300. As will be furtherdescribed in the present disclosure, the enhancement layer 400 includescarbonates, enhancers, alkaline, or the like (referred to herein as“enhancer”). It is recognized in the present disclosure that theenhancement layer 400 (including carbonates therein) is effective in,among other things, decomposing lipid molecules of bacteria and/orviruses, thereby helping, accelerating, enhancing, or the like, theperformance layer 300 (including metal ions therein) in penetrating,destroying, rupturing, or the like, the cell walls of the bacteriaand/or viruses, thereby destroying cell synthesis activity in such a waythat the cells of the bacteria and/or viruses lose their ability todivide and proliferate (and die, achieving the effect of sterilization).

As illustrated in at least FIG. 3B and FIG. 3K, an example embodiment ofthe enhancement layer 400 may be formed on one or more portions of thefirst outer filtration surface 210 of the air filter 200. Theenhancement layer 400 formed on the first outer filtration surface 210may be formed in such a way as to include between about 0.0001-50 g/m²of carbonates (or other enhancers). In preferred embodiments, theenhancement layer 400 formed on the first outer filtration surface 210includes between about 0.001-10 g/m² of enhancers Enhancers present inthe enhancement layer 400 formed on the first outer filtration surface210 may include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following:Na₂CO₃, K₂CO₃, (NH₄)₂CO₃, NaOH, KOH, Ba(OH)₂, CsOH, Sr(OH)₂, Ca(OH)₂,LiOH, RbOH, Rose Bengal, Methylene Blue, and/or Eosin Blue. In exampleembodiments, a wet weight of the enhancement layer 400 (e.g., weight orweight percentage of the liquid (or wet) enhancement solution applied(but not yet dried) to form the enhancement layer 400) formed on thefirst outer filtration surface 210 is between about 0.1 to 200% of aweight of the air filter 200. In preferred embodiments, a wet weight ofthe enhancement layer 400 formed on the first outer filtration surface210 is between about 30 to 50% of a weight of the air filter 200.

Alternatively or in addition, the enhancement layer 400 may be formed onone or more portions of the second outer filtration surface 220 of theair filter 200. The enhancement layer 400 formed on the second outerfiltration surface 220 may be formed in such a way as to include betweenabout 0.0001-50 g/m² of enhancers. In preferred embodiments, theenhancement layer 400 formed on the second outer filtration surface 220includes between about 0.001-10 g/m² of enhancers Enhancers present inthe enhancement layer 400 formed on the second outer filtration surface220 may include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following:Na₂CO₃, K₂CO₃, (NH₄)₂CO₃, NaOH, KOH, Ba(OH)₂, CsOH, Sr(OH)₂, Ca(OH)₂,LiOH, RbOH, Rose Bengal, Methylene Blue, and/or Eosin Blue. In exampleembodiments, a wet weight of the enhancement layer 400 (e.g., weight orweight percentage of the liquid (or wet) enhancement solution applied(but not yet dried) to form the enhancement layer 400) formed on thesecond outer filtration surface 220 is between about 0.1 to 200% of aweight of the air filter 200. In preferred embodiments, a wet weight ofthe enhancement layer 400 formed on the second outer filtration surface220 is between about 30 to 50% of a weight of the air filter 200.Alternatively, in example embodiments where the enhancement layer 400 isalso formed on the first outer filtration surface 210 and/or innerfiltration surface 230, a collective wet weight of the enhancement layer400 (e.g., weight or weight percentage of the liquid (or wet)enhancement solution applied (but not yet dried) to form the enhancementlayer 400) may be between about 0.1 to 200% of a weight of the airfilter 200. In preferred embodiments where the enhancement layer 400 isalso formed on the first outer filtration surface 210 and/or innerfiltration surface 230, a collective wet weight of the enhancement layer400 may be between about 30 to 50% of a weight of the air filter 200. Itis to be understood that the enhancers present in the enhancement layer400 formed on the second outer filtration surface 220 may or may not bethe same as the enhancers present in the enhancement layer 400 formed onthe first outer filtration surface 210 and/or the inner filtrationsurface 230. It is also to be understood that the concentration (g/m²)of enhancers in the enhancement layer 400 formed on the second outerfiltration surface 220 may or may not be the same as the concentration(g/m²) of enhancers in the enhancement layer 400 formed on the firstouter filtration surface 210 and/or the inner filtration surface 230. Itis also to be understood that the weight percentage (as compared to theweight of the air filter 200) of enhancers in the enhancement layer 400formed on the second outer filtration surface 220 may or may not be thesame as the weight percentage (as compared to the weight of the airfilter 200) of enhancers in the enhancement layer 400 formed on thefirst outer filtration surface 210 and/or the inner filtration surface230.

As illustrated in at least FIGS. 3F and 3H, an example embodiment of theenhancement layer 400 may be formed on one or more portions of the innerfiltration surface 230. The enhancement layer 400 formed on the innerfiltration surface 230 may be formed in such a way as to include betweenabout 0.0001-50 g/m² of enhancers. In preferred embodiments, theenhancement layer 400 formed on the inner filtration surface 230includes between about 0.001-10 g/m² of enhancers. Enhancers present inthe enhancement layer 400 formed on the inner filtration surface 230 mayinclude, but are not limited to, one or more of the following: Na₂CO₃,K₂CO₃, (NH₄)₂CO₃, NaOH, KOH, Ba(OH)₂, CsOH, Sr(OH)₂, Ca(OH)₂, LiOH,RbOH, Rose Bengal, Methylene Blue, and/or Eosin Blue. In exampleembodiments, a wet weight of the enhancement layer 400 (e.g., weight orweight percentage of the liquid (or wet) enhancement solution applied(but not yet dried) to form the enhancement layer 400) formed on theinner filtration surface 230 is between about 0.1 to 200% of a weight ofthe air filter 200. In preferred embodiments, a wet weight of theenhancement layer 400 formed on the inner filtration surface 230 isbetween about 30 to 50% of a weight of the air filter 200.Alternatively, in example embodiments where the enhancement layer 400 isalso formed on the first outer filtration surface 210 and/or secondouter filtration surface 220, a collective wet weight of the enhancementlayer 400 (e.g., weight or weight percentage of the liquid (or wet)enhancement solution applied (but not yet dried) to form the enhancementlayer 400) may be between about 0.1 to 200% of a weight of the airfilter 200. In preferred embodiments where the enhancement layer 400 isalso formed on the first outer filtration surface 210 and/or secondouter filtration surface 220, a collective wet weight of the enhancementlayer 400 may be between about 30 to 50% of a weight of the air filter200. It is to be understood that the enhancers present in theenhancement layer 400 formed on the inner filtration surface 230 may ormay not be the same as the enhancers present in the enhancement layer400 formed on the first outer filtration surface 210 and/or the secondouter filtration surface 220. It is also to be understood that theconcentration (g/m²) of enhancers in the enhancement layer 400 formed onthe inner filtration surface 230 may or may not be the same as theconcentration (g/m²) of enhancers in the enhancement layer 400 formed onthe first outer filtration surface 210 and/or the second outerfiltration surface 220. It is also to be understood that the weightpercentage (as compared to the weight of the air filter 200) ofenhancers in the enhancement layer 400 formed on the inner filtrationsurface 230 may or may not be the same as the weight percentage (ascompared to the weight of the air filter 200) of enhancers in theenhancement layer 400 formed on the first outer filtration surface 210and/or the second outer filtration surface 220.

In another example embodiment illustrated in at least FIG. 3A and FIG.3J, the enhancement layer 400 may be formed on at least a portion of theperformance layer 300 (which may be formed on the first outer filtrationsurface 210 and/or the second outer filtration surface 220 and/or theinner filtration surface 230). The enhancement layer 400 formed on theperformance layer 300 may be formed in such a way as to include betweenabout 0.0001-50 g/m² of enhancers. In preferred embodiments, theenhancement layer 400 formed on the performance layer 300 includesbetween about 0.001-10 g/m² of enhancers Enhancers present in theenhancement layer 400 formed on the performance layer 300 may include,but are not limited to, one or more of the following: Na₂CO₃, K₂CO₃,(NH₄)₂CO₃, NaOH, KOH, Ba(OH)₂, CsOH, Sr(OH)₂, Ca(OH)₂, LiOH, RbOH, RoseBengal, Methylene Blue, and/or Eosin Blue. In example embodiments, a wetweight of the enhancement layer 400 (e.g., weight or weight percentageof the liquid (or wet) enhancement solution applied (but not yet dried)to form the enhancement layer 400) formed on the performance layer 300is between about 0.1 to 200% of a weight of the air filter 200. Inpreferred embodiments, a wet weight of the enhancement layer 400 formedon the performance layer 300 is between about 30 to 50% of a weight ofthe air filter 200.

The enhancement layer 400 may be formed using an enhancement solution,or the like. In an example embodiment, the enhancement solution mayinclude a composition of one or more of the following: 0.001 to 20% ofNa₂CO₃, K₂CO₃, (NH₄)₂CO₃, NaOH, KOH, Ba(OH)₂, CsOH, Sr(OH)₂, Ca(OH)₂,LiOH, RbOH, Rose Bengal, Methylene Blue, and/or Eosin Blue. In preferredembodiments, the enhancement solution may include a composition of oneor more of the following: 0.5 to 10% of Na₂CO₃, K₂CO₃, (NH₄)₂CO₃, NaOH,KOH, Ba(OH)₂, CsOH, Sr(OH)₂, Ca(OH)₂, LiOH, RbOH, Rose Bengal, MethyleneBlue, and/or Eosin Blue. The enhancement layer 400 may be formed in oneor more ways including, but not limited to, spraying the enhancementsolution onto one or more surfaces of the air filter 200 and/or theperformance layer 300; dipping the air filter 200 into the enhancementsolution; brushing the enhancement solution onto the one or moresurfaces of the air filter 200 and/or the performance layer 300; dippingthe air filter 200 into the enhancement solution and spraying theenhancement solution; brushing the enhancement solution onto the one ormore surfaces of the air filter 200 and/or the performance layer 300 andspraying the enhancement solution; and/or dipping the air filter 200into the enhancement solution and brushing the enhancement solution ontothe one or more surfaces of the air filter 200 and/or the performancelayer 300.

Hybrid Layer (e.g., Hybrid Layer 500).

In an example embodiment, the disinfectant coating 500 may include oneor more hybrid layers (e.g., hybrid layer 500). The hybrid layer 500 maybe formed on one or more portions of the air filter 200 (and/or theperformance layer 300 and/or the enhancement layer 400). As will befurther described in the present disclosure, the hybrid layer 500includes metal ions, carbonates, enhancers, alkaline, or the like. It isrecognized in the present disclosure that the enhancers in the hybridlayer 500 (including metal ions and enhancers therein) are effective in,among other things, decomposing lipid molecules of bacteria and/orviruses, thereby helping, accelerating, enhancing, or the like, themetal ions in penetrating, destroying, rupturing, or the like, the cellwalls of the bacteria and/or viruses, thereby destroying cell synthesisactivity in such a way that the cells of the bacteria and/or viruseslose their ability to divide and proliferate (and die, achieving theeffect of sterilization).

As illustrated in at least FIG. 3C, FIG. 3D, FIG. 3E, and FIG. 3L, anexample embodiment of the hybrid layer 500 may be formed on one or moreportions of the first outer filtration surface 210 of the air filter200. The hybrid layer 500 formed on the first outer filtration surface210 may be formed in such a way as to include between about 0.00001 to0.5 g/m² of metal ions and between about 0.0001-50 g/m² of carbonates(or other enhancers). In preferred embodiments, the hybrid layer 500formed on the first outer filtration surface 210 includes between about0.001 to 0.01 g/m² of metal ions and between about 0.001-10 g/m² ofenhancers. Metal ions present in the hybrid layer 500 formed on thefirst outer filtration surface 210 may include, but are not limited to,one or more of the following: silver (Ag) ions, copper (Cu) ions, zinc(Zn) ions, cobalt (Co) ions, tin (Sn) ions, iodine (I) ions, chromium(Cr) ions, tellurium (Te) ions, germanium (Ge) ions, bismuth (Bi) ions,lead (Pb) ions, cadmium (Cd) ions, titanium (Ti) ions, and mercury (Hg)ions. Enhancers present in the hybrid layer 500 formed on the firstouter filtration surface 210 may include, but are not limited to, one ormore of the following: Na₂CO₃, K₂CO₃, (NH₄)₂CO₃, NaOH, KOH, Ba(OH)₂,CsOH, Sr(OH)₂, Ca(OH)₂, LiOH, RbOH, Rose Bengal, Methylene Blue, and/orEosin Blue. In example embodiments, a wet weight of the hybrid layer 500(e.g., weight or weight percentage of the liquid (or wet) enhancementand performance solutions applied (but not yet dried) to form the hybridlayer 500) formed on the first outer filtration surface 210 is betweenabout 0.1 to 400% of a weight of the air filter 200. In preferredembodiments, a wet weight of the hybrid layer 500 formed on the firstouter filtration surface 210 is between about 60 to 100% of a weight ofthe air filter 200.

Alternatively or in addition, the hybrid layer 500 may be formed on oneor more portions of the second outer filtration surface 220 of the airfilter 200. The hybrid layer 500 formed on the second outer filtrationsurface 220 may be formed in such a way as to include between about0.00001 to 0.5 g/m² of metal ions and between about 0.0001-50 g/m² ofcarbonates (or other enhancers). In preferred embodiments, the hybridlayer 500 formed on the first outer filtration surface 210 includesbetween about 0.001 to 0.01 g/m² of metal ions and between about0.001-10 g/m² of enhancers. Metal ions present in the hybrid layer 500formed on the second outer filtration surface 220 may include, but arenot limited to, one or more of the following: silver (Ag) ions, copper(Cu) ions, zinc (Zn) ions, cobalt (Co) ions, tin (Sn) ions, iodine (I)ions, chromium (Cr) ions, tellurium (Te) ions, germanium (Ge) ions,bismuth (Bi) ions, lead (Pb) ions, cadmium (Cd) ions, titanium (Ti)ions, and mercury (Hg) ions Enhancers present in the hybrid layer 500formed on the second outer filtration surface 220 may include, but arenot limited to, one or more of the following: Na₂CO₃, K₂CO₃, (NH₄)₂CO₃,NaOH, KOH, Ba(OH)₂, CsOH, Sr(OH)₂, Ca(OH)₂, LiOH, RbOH, Rose Bengal,Methylene Blue, and/or Eosin Blue. In example embodiments, a wet weightof the hybrid layer 500 (e.g., weight or weight percentage of the liquid(or wet) enhancement and performance solutions applied (but not yetdried) to form the hybrid layer 500) formed on the second outerfiltration surface 220 is between about 0.1 to 400% of a weight of theair filter 200. In preferred embodiments, a wet weight of the hybridlayer 500 formed on the second outer filtration surface 220 is betweenabout 60 to 100% of a weight of the air filter 200. Alternatively, inexample embodiments where the hybrid layer 500 is also formed on thefirst outer filtration surface 210 and/or inner filtration surface 230,a collective wet weight of the hybrid layer 500 (e.g., weight or weightpercentage of the liquid (or wet) enhancement and performance solutionsapplied (but not yet dried) to form the hybrid layer 500) may be betweenabout 0.1 to 400% of a weight of the air filter 200. In preferredembodiments where the hybrid layer 500 is also formed on the first outerfiltration surface 210 and/or inner filtration surface 230, a collectivewet weight of the hybrid layer 500 may be between about 60 to 100% of aweight of the air filter 200. It is to be understood that the metal ionsand/or enhancers present in the hybrid layer 500 formed on the secondouter filtration surface 220 may or may not be the same as the metalions and/or enhancers present in the hybrid layer 500 formed on thefirst outer filtration surface 210 and/or the inner filtration surface230. It is also to be understood that the concentration (g/m²) of metalions and/or enhancers in the hybrid layer 500 formed on the second outerfiltration surface 220 may or may not be the same as the concentration(g/m²) of metal ions and/or enhancers in the hybrid layer 500 formed onthe first outer filtration surface 210 and/or the inner filtrationsurface 230. It is also to be understood that the weight percentage (ascompared to the weight of the air filter 200) of metal ions and/orenhancers in the hybrid layer 500 formed on the second outer filtrationsurface 220 may or may not be the same as the weight percentage (ascompared to the weight of the air filter 200) of metal ions and/orenhancers in the hybrid layer 500 formed on the first outer filtrationsurface 210 and/or the inner filtration surface 230.

In example embodiments, the hybrid layer 500 may be formed on one ormore portions of the inner filtration surface 230. The hybrid layer 500formed on the inner filtration surface 230 may be formed in such a wayas to include between about 0.00001 to 0.5 g/m² of metal ions andbetween about 0.0001-50 g/m² of carbonates (or other enhancers). Inpreferred embodiments, the hybrid layer 500 formed on the innerfiltration surface 230 includes between about 0.001 to 0.01 g/m² ofmetal ions and between about 0.001-10 g/m² of enhancers. Metal ionspresent in the hybrid layer 500 formed on the inner filtration surface230 may include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following:silver (Ag) ions, copper (Cu) ions, zinc (Zn) ions, cobalt (Co) ions,tin (Sn) ions, iodine (I) ions, chromium (Cr) ions, tellurium (Te) ions,germanium (Ge) ions, bismuth (Bi) ions, lead (Pb) ions, cadmium (Cd)ions, titanium (Ti) ions, and mercury (Hg) ions. Enhancers present inthe hybrid layer 500 formed on the inner filtration surface 230 mayinclude, but are not limited to, one or more of the following: Na₂CO₃,K₂CO₃, (NH₄)₂CO₃, NaOH, KOH, Ba(OH)₂, CsOH, Sr(OH)₂, Ca(OH)₂, LiOH,RbOH, Rose Bengal, Methylene Blue, and/or Eosin Blue. In exampleembodiments, a wet weight of the hybrid layer 500 (e.g., weight orweight percentage of the liquid (or wet) enhancement and performancesolutions applied (but not yet dried) to form the hybrid layer 500)formed on the inner filtration surface 230 is between about 0.1 to 400%of a weight of the air filter 200. In preferred embodiments, a wetweight of the hybrid layer 500 formed on the inner filtration surface230 is between about 60 to 100% of a weight of the air filter 200.Alternatively, in example embodiments where the hybrid layer 500 is alsoformed on the first outer filtration surface 210 and/or second outerfiltration surface 220, a collective wet weight of the hybrid layer 500(e.g., weight or weight percentage of the liquid (or wet) enhancementand performance solutions applied (but not yet dried) to form the hybridlayer 500) may be between about 0.1 to 400% of a weight of the airfilter 200. In preferred embodiments where the hybrid layer 500 is alsoformed on the first outer filtration surface 210 and/or second outerfiltration surface 220, a collective wet weight of the hybrid layer 500may be between about 60 to 100% of a weight of the air filter 200. It isto be understood that the metal ions and/or enhancers present in thehybrid layer 500 formed on the inner filtration surface 230 may or maynot be the same as the metal ions and/or enhancers present in the hybridlayer 500 formed on the first outer filtration surface 210 and/or thesecond outer filtration surface 220. It is also to be understood thatthe concentration (g/m²) of metal ions and/or enhancers in the hybridlayer 500 formed on the inner filtration surface 230 may or may not bethe same as the concentration (g/m²) of metal ions and/or enhancers inthe hybrid layer 500 formed on the first outer filtration surface 210and/or the second outer filtration surface 220. It is also to beunderstood that the weight percentage (as compared to the weight of theair filter 200) of metal ions and/or enhancers in the hybrid layer 500formed on the inner filtration surface 230 may or may not be the same asthe weight percentage (as compared to the weight of the air filter 200)of metal ions and/or enhancers in the hybrid layer 500 formed on thefirst outer filtration surface 210 and/or the second outer filtrationsurface 220.

The hybrid layer 500 may be formed using a performance solution, or thelike, and an enhancement solution, or the like. In an exampleembodiment, the performance solution may include a composition of 0.0001to 5% of one or more of the following: AgNO₃, Ag₂O, Ag₂SO₄, Ag₂S, AgCl,Ag₂CO₃, CuO, CuCO₃, CuSO₄, Cu(NO₃)₂, CuCl₂, ZnO, ZnCl₂, ZnS, ZnSO₄,Zn(NO₃)₂, ZnCO₃, and/or other soluble components that contain Co, Sn, I,Cr, Te, Ge, Bi, Sn, Pb, Cd, Ti, and/or Hg ions. In preferredembodiments, the performance solution may include a composition of 0.005to 0.1% of one or more of the following: AgNO₃, Ag₂O, Ag₂SO₄, Ag₂S,AgCl, Ag₂CO₃, CuO, CuCO₃, CuSO₄, Cu(NO₃)₂, CuCl₂, ZnO, ZnCl₂, ZnS,ZnSO₄, Zn(NO₃)₂, ZnCO₃, and/or other soluble components that contain Co,Sn, I, Cr, Te, Ge, Bi, Sn, Pb, Cd, Ti, and/or Hg ions. In an exampleembodiment, the enhancement solution may include a composition of 0.001to 20% of one or more of the following: Na₂CO₃, K₂CO₃, (NH₄)₂CO₃, NaOH,KOH, Ba(OH)₂, CsOH, Sr(OH)₂, Ca(OH)₂, LiOH, RbOH, Rose Bengal, MethyleneBlue, and/or Eosin Blue. In preferred embodiments, the enhancementsolution may include a composition of 0.5 to 10% of one or more of thefollowing: Na₂CO₃, K₂CO₃, (NH₄)₂CO₃, NaOH, KOH, Ba(OH)₂, CsOH, Sr(OH)₂,Ca(OH)₂, LiOH, RbOH, Rose Bengal, Methylene Blue, and/or Eosin Blue. Thehybrid layer 500 may be formed in one or more ways including, but notlimited to, simultaneously or near-simultaneously spraying (and/orapplying in other ways) the performance solution (e.g., from a firstsprayer) and the enhancement solution (e.g., from a second sprayer) ontoone or more surfaces of the air filter 200.

Example Embodiment of a System 100 Having a Folded Air Filter 200.

As illustrated in FIG. 3F, an example embodiment of the system 100 mayinclude an air filter 200 formed with a plurality of folds (as describedin the present disclosure). The system 100 may also include aperformance layer 300 formed on a first outer filtration surface 210 ofthe air filter 200. The system 100 may also include a performance layer300 formed on an inner filtration surface 230 of the air filter 200.Although not shown in FIG. 3F, the system 100 may also include aperformance layer formed on a second outer filtration surface 220 of theair filter 200.

The system 100 may also include an enhancement layer 400 formed on oneor more portions of the performance layer 300. For example, theenhancement layer 400 may be formed on the portion of the performancelayer 300 that is formed on the first outer filtration surface 210 ofthe air filter 200. Alternatively or in addition, the enhancement layer400 may be formed on the portion of the performance layer 300 that isformed on the inner filtration surface 230 of the air filter 200.Alternatively or in addition, the enhancement layer 400 may be formed onthe portion of the performance layer 300 that is formed on the secondouter filtration surface 220 of the air filter 200 (if the performancelayer 300 is indeed formed on the second outer filtration surface 220 ofthe air filter 200).

Example Embodiments of a System 100 Having a Layered Air Filter 200.

As illustrated in FIG. 3G, an example embodiment of the system 100 mayinclude an air filter 200 having a plurality of filtration layers (asdescribed in the present disclosure). The system 100 may also include aperformance layer 300 formed on a first outer filtration surface 210 ofthe air filter 200. As illustrated in FIG. 3H, the system 100 may alsoinclude a performance layer 300 formed on one or more of the innerfiltration surfaces 230 of the air filter 200. Although not shown inFIGS. 3G and 3H, the system 100 may also include a performance layerformed on a second outer filtration surface 220 of the air filter 200.

The system 100 may also include an enhancement layer 400 formed on oneor more portions of the performance layer 300. For example, theenhancement layer 400 may be formed on the portion of the performancelayer 300 that is formed on the first outer filtration surface 210 ofthe air filter 200. Alternatively or in addition, the enhancement layer400 may be formed on the portion of the performance layer 300 that isformed on the inner filtration surface 230 of the air filter 200.Alternatively or in addition, the enhancement layer 400 may be formed onthe portion of the performance layer 300 that is formed on the secondouter filtration surface 220 of the air filter 200 (if the performancelayer 300 is indeed formed on the second outer filtration surface 220 ofthe air filter 200).

Example Embodiments of a Method for Forming an Air Filtration System(e.g., Method 600).

As illustrated in FIG. 4, an example embodiment of a method (e.g.,method 600) of forming an air filtration system includes providing anair filter (e.g., action 610). The method 600 of forming an airfiltration system also includes preparing a performance solution (e.g.,action 620). The method 600 of forming an air filtration system alsoincludes preparing an enhancement solution (e.g., action 630). Themethod 600 of forming an air filtration system also includes forming adisinfectant coating on at least a portion of the air filter (e.g.,action 640).

Example embodiments of the method 600 of forming an air filtrationsystem, and actions thereof, will now be further described withreference to the accompanying figures, which form a part of the presentdisclosure.

Providing an Air Filter (e.g., Action 610).

In an Example Embodiment, the Method 600 of Forming an Air FiltrationSystem (e.g., System 100) includes providing one or more air filters(e.g., air filter 200) (e.g., action 610). Each air filter 200 may be orinclude one or more example embodiments of the air filters 200 describedabove and in the present disclosure. For example, the air filter 200 maybe a substantially planar air filter, as illustrated in at least FIG.2A. The air filter 200 may also be an air filter 200 having one or morefolded portions, as illustrated in at least FIG. 2C. The air filter 200may also be or include a plurality of air filters stacked or layeredtogether, as illustrated in at least FIG. 2D. The air filter 200 mayalso be or include a plurality of fibers, as illustrated in at leastFIG. 2E. It is to be understood that other shapes, sizes, dimensions,forms, and/or configurations of air filters 200 are also contemplatedwithout departing from the teachings of the present disclosure.

Preparing a performance solution (e.g., action 620).

In an example embodiment, the method 600 of forming an air filtrationsystem (e.g., system 100) includes preparing a performance solution(e.g., action 620). In an example embodiment, the performance solutionmay include a composition of 0.0001 to 50% of one or more of thefollowing: AgNO₃, Ag₂O, Ag₂SO₄, Ag₂S, AgCl, Ag₂CO₃, CuO, CuCO₃, CuSO₄,Cu(NO₃)₂, CuCl₂, ZnO, ZnCl₂, ZnS, ZnSO₄, Zn(NO₃)₂, ZnCO₃, and/or othersoluble components that contain Co, Sn, I, Cr, Te, Ge, Bi, Sn, Pb, Cd,Ti, and/or Hg ions. In preferred embodiments, the performance solutionmay include a composition of 0.005 to 0.1% of one or more of thefollowing: AgNO₃, Ag₂O, Ag₂SO₄, Ag₂S, AgCl, Ag₂CO₃, CuO, CuCO₃, CuSO₄,Cu(NO₃)₂, CuCl₂, ZnO, ZnCl₂, ZnS, ZnSO₄, Zn(NO₃)₂, ZnCO₃, and/or othersoluble components that contain Co, Sn, I, Cr, Te, Ge, Bi, Sn, Pb, Cd,Ti, and/or Hg ions.

In example embodiments where the performance layer (e.g., performancelayer 300) will be formed by spraying, the preparing of the performancesolution may also include providing the performance solution in asprayer, or the like.

The performance layer 300 formed by the performance solution iseffective in, among other things, contacting and reacting with bacteriacells, and in doing so causes the destruction or dysfunction ofbacterial components. When metal ions of the performance layer 300 reachthe cell wall, the cell wall becomes negatively charged and, relying onCoulomb attraction, the metal ions become firmly adsorbed or attached tothe cell wall. The metal ions of the performance layer 300 are thenoperable to penetrate the cell wall and destroy cell synthesis activity.Accordingly, cells lose their ability to divide and proliferate, anddie. Furthermore, the metal ions in the performance layer 300 areoperable to damage the microbial electronic transmission system,respiratory system and material transmission system. In terms ofviruses, the metal ions in the performance layer 300 are operable tomechanically adsorb and attach to the virus, react with the virussurface protein, inactivate the enzyme protein, and bind with the viralnucleic acid.

Preparing an Enhancement Solution (e.g., Action 630).

In an example embodiment, the method 600 of forming an air filtrationsystem (e.g., system 100) includes preparing an enhancement solution(e.g., action 630). In an example embodiment, the enhancement solutionmay include a composition of 0.001 to 20% of Na₂CO₃, K₂CO₃, (NH₄)₂CO₃,NaOH, KOH, Ba(OH)₂, CsOH, Sr(OH)₂, Ca(OH)₂, LiOH, RbOH, Rose Bengal,Methylene Blue, and/or Eosin Blue. In preferred embodiments, theenhancement solution may include a composition of 0.5 to 10% of Na₂CO₃,K₂CO₃, (NH₄)₂CO₃, NaOH, KOH, Ba(OH)₂, CsOH, Sr(OH)₂, Ca(OH)₂, LiOH,RbOH, Rose Bengal, Methylene Blue, and/or Eosin Blue.

In example embodiments where the enhancement layer (e.g., enhancementlayer 400) will be formed by spraying, the preparing of the performancesolution may also include providing the performance solution in asprayer, or the like.

Forming a Disinfectant Coating on at Least a Portion of the Air Filter(e.g., Action 640).

In an example embodiment, the method 600 of forming an air filtrationsystem (e.g., system 100) includes forming a disinfectant coating (e.g.,disinfectant coating 500, as described in the present disclosure) on atleast a portion of the air filter (e.g., air filter 200, as described inthe present disclosure) (e.g., action 640). The disinfectant coating 500may be formed in one or more of a plurality of ways.

For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5A, the disinfectant coating 500 maybe formed by forming a performance layer (e.g., performance layer 300,as described in the present disclosure) on the air filter 200 (e.g.,action 642 a). As described in the present disclosure, the performancelayer 300 may be formed on a first outer filtration surface 210 of theair filter 200. Alternatively or in addition, the performance layer 300may be formed on a second outer filtration surface 220 of the air filter200. Alternatively or in addition, the performance layer 300 may beformed on an inner filtration surface 230 of the air filter 200. Theforming of the disinfectant coating 500 may further include forming anenhancement layer (e.g., enhancement layer 400, as described in thepresent disclosure) on the performance layer 300 that has already beenformed on the air filter 200 (e.g., action 644 a). As described in thepresent disclosure, the enhancement layer 400 may be formed on theperformance layer 300 that has been formed on the first outer filtrationsurface 210 of the air filter 200. Alternatively or in addition, theenhancement layer 400 may be formed the performance layer 300 that hasbeen formed on the second outer filtration surface 220 of the air filter200. Alternatively or in addition, the enhancement layer 400 may beformed on the performance layer 300 that has been formed on the innerfiltration surface 230 of the air filter 200.

As another example, as illustrated in FIG. 5B, the disinfectant coating500 may be formed by forming an enhancement layer 400 on the air filter200 (e.g., action 642 b). As described in the present disclosure, theenhancement layer 400 may be formed on a first outer filtration surface210 of the air filter 200. Alternatively or in addition, the enhancementlayer 400 may be formed on a second outer filtration surface 220 of theair filter 200. Alternatively or in addition, the enhancement layer 400may be formed on an inner filtration surface 230 of the air filter 200.The forming of the disinfectant coating 500 may further include forminga performance layer 300 on the enhancement layer 400 that has alreadybeen formed on the air filter 200 (e.g., action 644 b). As described inthe present disclosure, the performance layer 300 may be formed on theenhancement layer 400 that has been formed on the first outer filtrationsurface 210 of the air filter 200. Alternatively or in addition, theperformance layer 300 may be formed the enhancement layer 400 that hasbeen formed on the second outer filtration surface 220 of the air filter200. Alternatively or in addition, the performance layer 300 may beformed the enhancement layer 400 that has been formed on the innerfiltration surface 230 of the air filter 200.

In yet another example, as illustrated in FIG. 5C, the disinfectantcoating 500 may be formed by simultaneously or near-simultaneouslyapplying the performance solution and the enhancement solution on theair filter 200 so as to form a hybrid layer (e.g., hybrid layer 500, asdescribed in the present disclosure). The simultaneous ornear-simultaneous applying may be achieved by simultaneously ornear-simultaneously spraying (and/or applying in other ways) theperformance solution (e.g., from a first sprayer) and the enhancementsolution (e.g., from a second sprayer) onto one or more surfaces of theair filter 200. It is recognized in the present disclosure thatseparating the performance solution and the enhancement solution inseparate sprayers/containers (i.e., without mixing) and separatelyspraying them onto the air filter 200 can reduce chemical reactionsbetween the performance solution (including the metal ions therein) andthe enhancement solution (including the enhancers therein) that wouldresult from such mixing, thereby reducing or eliminating precipitatesforming prior to spraying (which would otherwise clog or make difficultthe spraying process.

The enhancement layer 400 formed by the enhancement solution iseffective in, among other things, decomposing lipid molecules ofbacteria and/or viruses, thereby helping, accelerating, enhancing, orthe like, the performance layer 300 (including metal ions therein) inpenetrating, destroying, rupturing, or the like, the cell walls of thebacteria and/or viruses, thereby destroying cell synthesis activity insuch a way that the cells of the bacteria and/or viruses lose theirability to divide and proliferate (and die, achieving the effect ofsterilization).

While various embodiments in accordance with the disclosed principleshave been described above, it should be understood that they have beenpresented by way of example only, and are not limiting. Thus, thebreadth and scope of the example embodiments described in the presentdisclosure should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplaryembodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the claimsand their equivalents issuing from this disclosure. Furthermore, theabove advantages and features are provided in described embodiments, butshall not limit the application of such issued claims to processes andstructures accomplishing any or all of the above advantages.

Various terms used herein have special meanings within the presenttechnical field. Whether a particular term should be construed as such a“term of art” depends on the context in which that term is used. Termsare to be construed in light of the context in which they are used inthe present disclosure and as one of ordinary skill in the art wouldunderstand those terms in the disclosed context. Definitions providedherein are not exclusive of other meanings that might be imparted tothose terms based on the disclosed context.

Words of comparison, measurement, and timing such as “at the time”,“equivalent”, “during”, “complete”, and the like should be understood tomean “substantially at the time”, “substantially equivalent”,“substantially during”, “substantially complete”, etc., where“substantially” means that such comparisons, measurements, and timingsare practicable to accomplish the implicitly or expressly stated desiredresult.

Additionally, the section headings and topic headings herein areprovided for consistency with the suggestions under various patentregulations and practice, or otherwise to provide organizational cues.These headings shall not limit or characterize the embodiments set outin any claims that may issue from this disclosure. Specifically, adescription of a technology in the “Background” is not to be construedas an admission that technology is prior art to any embodiments in thisdisclosure. Furthermore, any reference in this disclosure to “invention”in the singular should not be used to argue that there is only a singlepoint of novelty in this disclosure. Multiple inventions may be setforth according to the limitations of the claims issuing from thisdisclosure, and such claims accordingly define the invention(s), andtheir equivalents, that are protected thereby. In all instances, thescope of such claims shall be considered on their own merits in light ofthis disclosure, but should not be constrained by the headings herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. An air filtration assembly, the air filtrationassembly comprising: an air filter, the air filter having a plurality offiltration surfaces, including a first outer filtration surface, asecond outer filtration surface opposite to the first outer filtrationsurface, and one or more inner filtration surfaces provided between thefirst and second outer filtration surfaces, the plurality of filtrationsurfaces configured to trap one or more airborne particulates, includingviruses and/or bacteria; and a disinfectant coating, the disinfectantcoating formed on at least a portion of the plurality of filtrationsurfaces, the disinfectant coating for use in disinfecting trappedairborne particulates, the disinfectant coating including: a performancelayer, the performance layer including metal ions; and an enhancementlayer, the enhancement layer including carbonates.
 2. The air filtrationassembly of claim 1, wherein the performance layer is formed as a layeron one or more of the plurality of filtration surfaces and theenhancement layer is formed as a layer on the performance layer.
 3. Theair filtration assembly of claim 1, wherein the enhancement layer isformed as a layer on the plurality of filtration surfaces and theperformance layer is formed as a layer on the enhancement layer.
 4. Theair filtration assembly of claim 1, wherein one or more of the followingapply: the performance layer includes between 0.00001 to 0.5 g/m² ofmetal ions; and/or the enhancement layer includes between 0.0001-50 g/m²of carbonates.
 5. The air filtration assembly of claim 1, wherein one ormore of the following apply: the performance layer includes between0.001 to 0.01 g/m² of metal ions; the enhancement layer includes between0.001-10 g/m² of carbonates.
 6. The air filtration assembly of claim 1,wherein one or more of the following apply: a wet weight of theperformance layer is between 0.1 to 200% of a weight of the air filter;and/or a wet weight of the enhancement layer is between 0.1 to 200% of aweight of the air filter.
 7. The air filtration assembly of claim 1,wherein one or more of the following apply: a wet weight of theperformance layer is between 30 to 50% of a weight of the air filter;and/or a wet weight of the enhancement layer is between 30 to 50% of aweight of the air filter.
 8. The air filtration assembly of claim 1,wherein one or more of the following apply: the metal ions in theperformance layer is one or more of the following metal ions: silver(Ag) ions, copper (Cu) ions, zinc (Zn) ions, cobalt (Co) ions, tin (Sn)ions, iodine (I) ions, chromium (Cr) ions, tellurium (Te) ions,germanium (Ge) ions, bismuth (Bi) ions, lead (Pb) ions, cadmium (Cd)ions, titanium (Ti) ions, and mercury (Hg) ions; and/or the enhancementlayer includes one or more of the following enhancers: Na₂CO₃, K₂CO₃,(NH₄)₂CO₃, NaOH, KOH, Ba(OH)₂, CsOH, Sr(OH)₂, Ca(OH)₂, LiOH, and RbOH;and/or the enhancement layer is configured to enhance the disinfectingeffectiveness of the performance layer.
 9. An air filtration assembly,the air filtration assembly comprising: an air filter, the air filterhaving a plurality of filtration surfaces, including a first outerfiltration surface, a second outer filtration surface opposite to thefirst outer filtration surface, and one or more inner filtrationsurfaces provided between the first and second outer filtrationsurfaces, the plurality of filtration surfaces configured to trap one ormore airborne particulates, including viruses and/or bacteria; and adisinfectant coating, the disinfectant coating formed on the air filter,the disinfectant coating including metal ions and carbonates, whereinthe disinfectant coating includes between 0.00001 to 0.5 g/m² of metalions and 0.0001-50 g/m² of carbonates.
 10. The air filtration assemblyof claim 9, wherein the disinfectant coating is formed as a layer of themetal ions on the plurality of filtration surfaces and a layer of thecarbonates on the layer of metal ions.
 11. The air filtration assemblyof claim 9, wherein the disinfectant coating is formed as a layer of thecarbonates on the plurality of filtration surfaces and a layer of themetal ions on the layer of carbonates.
 12. The air filtration assemblyof claim 9, wherein the disinfectant coating is formed by simultaneouslyapplying metal ions and carbonates on the plurality of filtrationsurfaces.
 13. The air filtration assembly of claim 9, wherein one ormore of the following apply: the disinfectant coating includes between0.001 to 0.01 g/m² of metal ions; and/or the disinfectant coatingincludes between 0.001-50 g/m² of carbonates.
 14. The air filtrationassembly of claim 9, wherein one or more of the following apply: acollective wet weight of the metal ions in the disinfectant coating isbetween 0.1 to 200% of a weight of the air filter; and/or a collectivewet weight of the carbonates in the disinfectant coating is between 0.1to 200% of the weight of the air filter.
 15. The air filtration assemblyof claim 9, wherein one or more of the following apply: a collective wetweight of the metal ions in the disinfectant coating is between 30 to50% of a weight of the air filter; and/or a collective wet weight of thecarbonates in the disinfectant coating is between 30 to 50% of theweight of the air filter.
 16. The air filtration assembly of claim 9,wherein one or more of the following apply: the metal ions in thedisinfectant coating is one or more of the following metal ions: silver(Ag) ions, copper (Cu) ions, zinc (Zn) ions, cobalt (Co) ions, tin (Sn)ions, iodine (I) ions, chromium (Cr) ions, tellurium (Te) ions,germanium (Ge) ions, bismuth (Bi) ions, lead (Pb) ions, cadmium (Cd)ions, titanium (Ti) ions, and mercury (Hg) ions; and/or the disinfectantcoating includes one or more of the following enhancers: Na₂CO₃, K₂CO₃,(NH₄)₂CO₃, NaOH, KOH, Ba(OH)₂, CsOH, Sr(OH)₂, Ca(OH)₂, LiOH, and RbOH.17. A method of forming an air filtration assembly, the methodcomprising: providing an air filter, the air filter having a pluralityof filtration surfaces, including a first outer filtration surface, asecond outer filtration surface opposite to the first outer filtrationsurface, and one or more inner filtration surfaces provided between thefirst and second outer filtration surfaces, the plurality of filtrationsurfaces configured to trap one or more airborne particulates, includingviruses and/or bacteria; preparing a performance solution, theperformance solution including one or more metal ions; preparing anenhancement solution, the enhancement solution including one or morecarbonates; and forming a disinfectant coating on the plurality offiltration surfaces, the disinfectant coating for use in disinfectingtrapped airborne particulates, the disinfectant coating formed in such away as to include: a performance layer, the performance layer includingone or more metal ions; and an enhancement layer, the enhancement layerincluding one or more carbonates.
 18. The method of claim 17, whereinone or more of the following apply: the performance solution comprisesof 0.0001 to 5% metal ions; and/or the enhancement solution comprises of0.001 to 20% carbonates.
 19. The method of claim 17, wherein one or moreof the following apply: the performance solution comprises of 0.005 to0.1% metal ions; and/or the enhancement solution comprises of 0.5 to 10%carbonates.
 20. The method of claim 17, wherein the disinfectant coatingis formed by forming the performance layer on the plurality offiltration surfaces and forming the enhancement layer on the performancelayer.
 21. The method of claim 17, wherein the disinfectant coating isformed by forming the enhancement layer on the plurality of filtrationsurfaces and forming the performance layer on the enhancement layer. 22.The method of claim 17, wherein one or more of the following apply: theperformance layer is formed in such a way as to include between 0.00001to 0.5 g/m² of metal ions; and/or the enhancement layer is formed insuch a way as to include between 0.0001-50 g/m² of carbonates.
 23. Themethod of claim 17, wherein one or more of the following apply: theperformance layer is formed in such a way as to include between 0.001 to0.01 g/m² of metal ions; and/or the enhancement layer is formed in sucha way as to include between 0.001-10 g/m² of carbonates.
 24. The methodof claim 17, wherein one or more of the following apply: the performancelayer is formed in such a way that a collective wet weight of theperformance layer is between 0.1 to 200% of a weight of the air filter;and/or the enhancement layer is formed in such a way that a collectivewet weight of the enhancement layer is between 0.1 to 200% of a weightof the air filter.
 25. The method of claim 17, wherein one or more ofthe following apply: the performance layer is formed in such a way thata collective wet weight of the performance layer is between 30 to 50% ofa weight of the air filter; and/or the enhancement layer is formed insuch a way that a collective wet weight of the enhancement layer isbetween 30 to 50% of a weight of the air filter.
 26. The method of claim17, wherein one or more of the following apply: the metal ions in theperformance solution is one or more of the following metal ions: silver(Ag) ions, copper (Cu) ions, zinc (Zn) ions, cobalt (Co) ions, tin (Sn)ions, iodine (I) ions, chromium (Cr) ions, tellurium (Te) ions,germanium (Ge) ions, bismuth (Bi) ions, lead (Pb) ions, cadmium (Cd)ions, titanium (Ti) ions, and mercury (Hg) ions; and/or the enhancementsolution includes one or more of the following enhancers: Na₂CO₃, K₂CO₃,(NH₄)₂CO₃, NaOH, KOH, Ba(OH)₂, CsOH, Sr(OH)₂, Ca(OH)₂, LiOH, and RbOH;and/or the enhancement layer is configured to enhance the disinfectingeffectiveness of the performance layer.
 27. A method of forming an airfiltration assembly, the method comprising: providing an air filter, theair filter having a plurality of filtration surfaces, including a firstouter filtration surface, a second outer filtration surface opposite tothe first outer filtration surface, and one or more inner filtrationsurfaces provided between the first and second outer filtrationsurfaces, the plurality of filtration surfaces configured to trap one ormore airborne particulates, including viruses and/or bacteria; preparinga performance solution, the performance solution including one or moremetal ions; preparing an enhancement solution, the enhancement solutionincluding one or more carbonates; and forming a disinfectant coating onthe plurality of filtration surfaces, the disinfectant coating for usein disinfecting trapped airborne particulates, the disinfectant coatingformed by: precipitating the performance solution on the plurality offiltration surfaces to form a performance layer on the plurality offiltration surfaces; and precipitating the enhancement solution on theplurality of filtration surfaces to form an enhancement layer on theperformance layer.
 28. The method of claim 27, wherein one or more ofthe following apply: the performance solution comprises of 0.0001 to 5%metal ions; and/or the enhancement solution comprises of 0.001 to 20%carbonates.
 29. The method of claim 27, wherein one or more of thefollowing apply: the performance solution comprises of 0.005 to 0.1%metal ions; and/or the enhancement solution comprises of 0.5 to 10%carbonates.
 30. The method of claim 27, wherein one or more of thefollowing apply: the performance layer is formed in such a way as toinclude between 0.00001 to 0.5 g/m² of metal ions; and/or theenhancement layer is formed in such a way as to include between0.0001-50 g/m² of carbonates.
 31. The method of claim 27, wherein one ormore of the following apply: the performance layer is formed in such away as to include between 0.001 to 0.01 g/m² of metal ions; and/or theenhancement layer is formed in such a way as to include between 0.001-10g/m² of carbonates.
 32. The method of claim 27, wherein one or more ofthe following apply: the performance layer is formed in such a way thata collective wet weight of the performance layer is between 0.1 to 200%of a weight of the air filter; and/or the enhancement layer is formed insuch a way that a collective wet weight of the enhancement layer isbetween 0.1 to 200% of a weight of the air filter.
 33. The method ofclaim 27, wherein one or more of the following apply: the performancelayer is formed in such a way that a collective wet weight of theperformance layer is between 30 to 50% of a weight of the air filter;and/or the enhancement layer is formed in such a way that a collectivewet weight of the enhancement layer is between 30 to 50% of a weight ofthe air filter.
 34. The method of claim 27, wherein one or more of thefollowing apply: the metal ions in the performance solution is one ormore of the following metal ions: silver (Ag) ions, copper (Cu) ions,zinc (Zn) ions, cobalt (Co) ions, tin (Sn) ions, iodine (I) ions,chromium (Cr) ions, tellurium (Te) ions, germanium (Ge) ions, bismuth(Bi) ions, lead (Pb) ions, cadmium (Cd) ions, titanium (Ti) ions, andmercury (Hg) ions; and/or the enhancement solution includes one or moreof the following enhancers: Na₂CO₃, K₂CO₃, (NH₄)₂CO₃, NaOH, KOH,Ba(OH)₂, CsOH, Sr(OH)₂, Ca(OH)₂, LiOH, and RbOH; and/or the enhancementlayer is configured to enhance the disinfecting effectiveness of theperformance layer.
 35. A method of forming an air filtration assembly,the method comprising: providing an air filter, the air filter having aplurality of filtration surfaces, including a first outer filtrationsurface, a second outer filtration surface opposite to the first outerfiltration surface, and one or more inner filtration surfaces providedbetween the first and second outer filtration surfaces, the plurality offiltration surfaces configured to trap one or more airborneparticulates, including viruses and/or bacteria; preparing a performancesolution, the performance solution including one or more metal ions;preparing an enhancement solution, the enhancement solution includingone or more carbonates; and forming a disinfectant coating on theplurality of filtration surfaces, the disinfectant coating for use indisinfecting trapped airborne particulates, the disinfectant coatingformed by: precipitating the enhancement solution on the plurality offiltration surfaces to form an enhancement layer on the plurality offiltration surfaces; and precipitating the performance solution on theplurality of filtration surfaces to form a performance layer on theenhancement layer.
 36. The method of claim 35, wherein one or more ofthe following apply: the performance solution comprises of 0.0001 to 5%metal ions; and/or the enhancement solution comprises of 0.001 to 20%carbonates.
 37. The method of claim 35, wherein one or more of thefollowing apply: the performance solution comprises of 0.005 to 0.1%metal ions; and/or the enhancement solution comprises of 0.5 to 10%carbonates.
 38. The method of claim 35, wherein one or more of thefollowing apply: the performance layer is formed in such a way as toinclude between 0.00001 to 0.5 g/m² of metal ions; and/or theenhancement layer is formed in such a way as to include between0.0001-50 g/m² of carbonates.
 39. The method of claim 35, wherein one ormore of the following apply: the performance layer is formed in such away as to include between 0.001 to 0.01 g/m² of metal ions; and/or theenhancement layer is formed in such a way as to include between 0.001-10g/m² of carbonates.
 40. The method of claim 35, wherein one or more ofthe following apply: the performance layer is formed in such a way thata collective wet weight of the performance layer is between 0.1 to 200%of a weight of the air filter; and/or the enhancement layer is formed insuch a way that a collective wet weight of the enhancement layer isbetween 0.1 to 200% of a weight of the air filter.
 41. The method ofclaim 35, wherein one or more of the following apply: the performancelayer is formed in such a way that a collective wet weight of theperformance layer is between 30 to 50% of a weight of the air filter;and/or the enhancement layer is formed in such a way that a collectivewet weight of the enhancement layer is between 30 to 50% of a weight ofthe air filter.
 42. The method of claim 35, wherein one or more of thefollowing apply: the metal ions in the performance solution is one ormore of the following metal ions: silver (Ag) ions, copper (Cu) ions,zinc (Zn) ions, cobalt (Co) ions, tin (Sn) ions, iodine (I) ions,chromium (Cr) ions, tellurium (Te) ions, germanium (Ge) ions, bismuth(Bi) ions, lead (Pb) ions, cadmium (Cd) ions, titanium (Ti) ions, andmercury (Hg) ions; and/or the enhancement solution includes one or moreof the following enhancers: Na₂CO₃, K₂CO₃, (NH₄)₂CO₃, NaOH, KOH,Ba(OH)₂, CsOH, Sr(OH)₂, Ca(OH)₂, LiOH, and RbOH; and/or the enhancementlayer is configured to enhance the disinfecting effectiveness of theperformance layer.
 43. A method of forming an air filtration assembly,the method comprising: providing an air filter, the air filter having aplurality of filtration surfaces, including a first outer filtrationsurface, a second outer filtration surface opposite to the first outerfiltration surface, and one or more inner filtration surfaces providedbetween the first and second outer filtration surfaces, the plurality offiltration surfaces configured to trap one or more airborneparticulates, including viruses and/or bacteria; preparing a performancesolution, the performance solution including one or more metal ions;preparing an enhancement solution, the enhancement solution includingone or more carbonates; and forming a disinfectant coating on theplurality of filtration surfaces, the disinfectant coating for use indisinfecting trapped airborne particulates, the disinfectant coatingformed by simultaneously precipitating the enhancement solution and theperformance solution on the plurality of filtration surfaces; whereinthe enhancement solution and the performance solution are simultaneouslyprecipitated on the plurality of filtration surfaces by separatelyapplying the enhancement solution and the performance solution onto theplurality of filtration surfaces.
 44. The method of claim 43, whereinone or more of the following apply: the performance solution comprisesof 0.0001 to 5% metal ions; and/or the enhancement solution comprises of0.001 to 20% carbonates.
 45. The method of claim 43, wherein one or moreof the following apply: the performance solution comprises of 0.005 to0.1% metal ions; and/or the enhancement solution comprises of 0.5 to 10%carbonates.
 46. The method of claim 43, wherein one or more of thefollowing apply: the performance layer is formed in such a way as toinclude between 0.00001 to 0.5 g/m² of metal ions; and/or theenhancement layer is formed in such a way as to include between0.0001-50 g/m² of carbonates.
 47. The method of claim 43, wherein one ormore of the following apply: the performance layer is formed in such away as to include between 0.001 to 0.01 g/m² of metal ions; and/or theenhancement layer is formed in such a way as to include between 0.001-10g/m² of carbonates.
 48. The method of claim 43, wherein one or more ofthe following apply: the performance layer is formed in such a way thata collective wet weight of the performance layer is between 0.1 to 200%of a weight of the air filter; and/or the enhancement layer is formed insuch a way that a collective wet weight of the enhancement layer isbetween 0.1 to 200% of a weight of the air filter.
 49. The method ofclaim 43, wherein one or more of the following apply: the performancelayer is formed in such a way that a collective wet weight of theperformance layer is between 30 to 50% of a weight of the air filter;and/or the enhancement layer is formed in such a way that a collectivewet weight of the enhancement layer is between 30 to 50% of a weight ofthe air filter.
 50. The method of claim 43, wherein one or more of thefollowing apply: the metal ions in the performance solution is one ormore of the following metal ions: silver (Ag) ions, copper (Cu) ions,zinc (Zn) ions, cobalt (Co) ions, tin (Sn) ions, iodine (I) ions,chromium (Cr) ions, tellurium (Te) ions, germanium (Ge) ions, bismuth(Bi) ions, lead (Pb) ions, cadmium (Cd) ions, titanium (Ti) ions, andmercury (Hg) ions; and/or the enhancement solution includes one or moreof the following enhancers: Na₂CO₃, K₂CO₃, (NH₄)₂CO₃, NaOH, KOH,Ba(OH)₂, CsOH, Sr(OH)₂, Ca(OH)₂, LiOH, and RbOH; and/or the enhancementlayer is configured to enhance the disinfecting effectiveness of theperformance layer.